How to make grilled meat pies from scratch

Grilled meat pies, also known as savory hand pies, are a delicious and portable meal. Here's a basic recipe to help you prepare them: Ingredients: For the dough: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup cold water For the filling: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) Instructions: 1. Prepare the dough: - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Gradually add the cold water, a few tablespoons at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. You may not need to use all of the water. - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. 2. Make the filling: - In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. - Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. - Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld. - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro, if using. Set the filling aside to cool slightly. 3. Assemble the pies: - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. - Divide the chilled dough into equal portions, depending on how large you want your pies to be. - Roll out each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. - Place a spoonful of the meat filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. - Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges of the pie. - Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust. 4. Grill the pies: - Carefully place the assembled pies on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is heated through. - Use a spatula to flip the pies halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. 5. Serve : - Remove the grilled meat pies from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a delicious snack or meal. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as adding vegetables like peas or carrots, or incorporating different herbs and spices for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade grilled meat pies!